362 Aquatic Circle
New Braunfels, TX 78130
History of the Train in Landa Park
Landa Park established its first train concession in 1959 with a true steam-powered engine that pulled 3 cars and ran on 1700 feet of track. The attraction was located in the picnic area adjoining Fredericksburg Road and made a circle through the southwest section of the park according to the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Mr Helm was the owner/engineer throughout the summers for the next 4 years.
In 1963, Mr Lippman ‘Larry’ Miller bought a new gas-powered engine, “Casey Jones, Jr.” and three new passenger cars; he also laid 3/4 mile of new 16″ gauge track. The new line ran from the pool parking lot, along the shoreline of Landa Lake, around the Peninsula Playhouse (dance slab) and back to the pool area. The new ‘Wild West” Landa Park Railroad would include a depot building.
In 1969, Bill McCrary picked up the train concession and decided to expand the route, change the track gauge to 24″ and purchase a new engine and cars. The old train was purchased by Brackenridge Park in San Antonio. The new Landa Park Railroad opened in July. McCrary purchased the Allan Hershell “Iron Horse” you are riding on today.
In 1982, David Schoenvogel took over the concession and expanded the track to about a mile and a half to its current configuration around the park. The train pulls 5 coaches and can carry approx 65 people. Mr. Schoenvogel and his wife have been the caretakers of the Landa Park Railroad for over 40 years. Mr Schoenvogel has become the face and greeter for New Braunfels.
Private Events or Large Groups
If you have a large group or would like to reserve the train for a private event, please contact us.
Riding through Landa Park since 1969. Come make memories that last a lifetime.
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